Republicans must not "divide and conquer" themselves

Re: Private accounts seen as 'solution' (Washington Times, 3/10/05)
http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20050310-121432-2383r.htm
To the Editors:
Democrats must be smiling at the prospect of Republicans dividing and conquering themselves over Social Security reform. Beyond simply reforming the system there is a tremendous amount of political power and capital at stake. Democrats and particularly unions believe that defeating President Bush on this issue will turn him into a lame duck two years early. They may be right. This is what big-spending Republicans like Olympia Snowe and Norm Coleman should keep in mind. Paul Ryan has it right: the best strategy for Republicans is to move away from and not towards the Democrats. If the Republicans end up having to compromise, they’d better start from a position where a compromise does not equal defeat.